I need to replace the weatherstripping on my front doors. What brand is best to use and any tips?
Thanks

 

Annaleigh, I think whenever I come here I'm going to watch specifically for your posts, because you always either ask the questions I also have, as in this case, or you help provide the answers!!!

I'm hoping some low-buck outfit like say J.C. Whitney provides serviceable seals, because I have seen some prices that seemed quite steep. (My vehicle: '87 E150)

 

Inbeforesomeonesaysfordistheonlyplacetobuythem

LMC has them too.

 

Ah you are too kind! I am here allot because I have two older vans I am redoing and not sure which one I will wind up keeping! I have been temped to pull parts from one to fix the other but then I wouldn't have the choice of both! I bought this 88 MarkIII a couple of months ago.. Both are Mark III's. The other is a 85..

BUT I have been smelling a wet smell in the 88 and much more so when it rains. Besides the front doors leaking, today I found a damp on the carpet right at the edge where the vertical wall meets the carpet, in front of the wheel well, on the right side, at the first window, just behind the side barn doors.. I suspect it might be a window leaking, not the high-top.. To find out though I am going to have to pull out the interior ceiling and walls. They are all just screwed in panels with the little push buttons over the screw heads. I wanted to modify some things on the interior anyway...

Today I removed the drivers side door panel to look inside and am not sure what to make of it yet. it has rained pretty hard for 3 days now and once while driving the van I heard what sounded like water dripping into a puddle on the drivers side. I was thinking it might be drops from the door hitting the aluminum side boards. I had assumed the door gaskets were good because they are still somewhat soft but are molded in shape as the van sat for maybe 10 to 15 years... i thought it might be the glass sweeps. And perhaps it is..
So I am going to do the complete set of door gaskets/sweeps. I have one, the only one I could fine, rubber side vent seals but the rubber vent seals are still pretty soft.
But here is what I found when I removed the door panel.


Notice the water up at the speaker hole.
<a href="http://s472.photobucket.com/user/Annaleigh_123/media/WP_20151226_16_35_53_Pro.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Annaleigh_123/WP_20151226_16_35_53_Pro.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo WP_20151226_16_35_53_Pro.jpg"/></a>

There was water sitting in the bottom lip of the speaker.
<a href="http://s472.photobucket.com/user/Annaleigh_123/media/WP_20151226_16_36_14_Pro.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Annaleigh_123/WP_20151226_16_36_14_Pro.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo WP_20151226_16_36_14_Pro.jpg"/></a>

I think the whole cavity in the door filled with water. Here is a look inside.
<a href="http://s472.photobucket.com/user/Annaleigh_123/media/WP_20151226_16_45_37_Pro.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Annaleigh_123/WP_20151226_16_45_37_Pro.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo WP_20151226_16_45_37_Pro.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s472.photobucket.com/user/Annaleigh_123/media/WP_20151226_16_44_43_Pro.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Annaleigh_123/WP_20151226_16_44_43_Pro.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo WP_20151226_16_44_43_Pro.jpg"/></a>

I don't think this is rust, will look again, I think it is just the lighting/shadow.
But if it is rust starting then I will clean the area and use rust converter.
<a href="http://s472.photobucket.com/user/Annaleigh_123/media/WP_20151226_16_46_26_Pro.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Annaleigh_123/WP_20151226_16_46_26_Pro.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo WP_20151226_16_46_26_Pro.jpg"/></a>

 

From what I'm seeing the door seals (shell to body) aren't the real issue, its the sash trim at the bottom of the window opening, the exterior part. Those deteriorate with age anyway, if exposed to direct sunlight constantly that accelerates that process. These failing parts allow more water into the door shell---if the drain or vent holes at the bottom of the shell are clogged cleaning them out will let water run out and avoid standing pools which can start to smell if left in there too long.

In fact many van front doors up to model year 1991 can have issues with the glass run channels and other rubber parts beginning to fail, allowing excess water into the door shell. Replacing every part might be impractical and nearly impossible finding good stuff so keeping the drain holes open becomes more important. Keep in mind those holes are from the factory and added with good reason.

While some might not believe the factory parts tend to be a bit superior to aftermarket "affordable" stuff in terms of door seals there's not much better to be found anywhere. Sure they're pricey but considering they'll last a good 10 years or more and do the job better the cost---at least to me--becomes a distant second concern.

To extend the life of new seals use a product like 3M's 0887, a wet type silicone spray lubricant. Once a year application to the seals is more than enough to keep them soft and pliable, an added benefit is it mostly prevents them from freezing to the body during the damp and colder parts of winter.

Another issue affecting door seal function is the adjustment of the door relative to the body. Wearing or worn hinges can cause an otherwise sound seal not fit snugly and leak into the areas shown.

 

 

Try this again
Where are the drain holes supposed to be?
<a href="http://s472.photobucket.com/user/Annaleigh_123/media/WP_20151227_10_57_10_Pro.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Annaleigh_123/WP_20151227_10_57_10_Pro.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo WP_20151227_10_57_10_Pro.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s472.photobucket.com/user/Annaleigh_123/media/WP_20151227_10_56_59_Pro.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Annaleigh_123/WP_20151227_10_56_59_Pro.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo WP_20151227_10_56_59_Pro.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s472.photobucket.com/user/Annaleigh_123/media/WP_20151227_10_57_37_Pro.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Annaleigh_123/WP_20151227_10_57_37_Pro.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo WP_20151227_10_57_37_Pro.jpg"/></a>

 

Here is a thread about weatherstrip parts. I posted some videos that were helpful for me to watch. They part numbers, I dont know if they will fit your year.. I am going to have to go check to see if any fits mine..
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15399205

 

Ok I found the drain holes, they are up under the weatherstripping on the bottom side. The weather stripping towards the back of the door was blocking the drain when the door is closed. If you look at the pic of the front of the door, you see the part of the inner door shell that sticks out about a 1/4", the hole is in the bottom of that lip but under the weatherstripping about 6 to 8" back where you see the dark spot.

SO when installing weatherstripping, that is something to watch out for. Make sure when the door is closed, that it does not mash the weatherstrip down and cover the drain holes

 

Cool, thank you much!! At first fast glance, I see a reference to Rock Auto; don't know why I didn't think of them right off, having had good luck with them in the past.

 

here is another post I had made,, Trying to consolidate all the threads here
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-year-fit.html

 

Didn't trust me did ya?

BTW Annaleigh your doors show signs of rust forming under the factory seams so come summer time that might be something you want to tackle. If you go with new seals that would be a good time to rehab the doors too.

HTH

 

Yes I Did! I went back out and looked for them again knowing they had to be there!.

I am not sure that is rust, will look again a bit closer.. There is residue from glue around the seals and dirt at the bottom.. It may be surface dirt and the color from the pic,, but I'll double check..

I put the door panel in my little car and there is no wet musty smell at all.. I think the musty smell is from a different place..I have one window behind the side barn doors and if I press my finger into the very bottom edge between the floor and wall, it feels damp.
The ceiling has to come out first before the wall panels will come out. I am going to take the inside window trim off and loosen the screws holding the wall section on in that area and see if I can pull the wall back enough to see what is going on..
I suspect the window is leaking.

Here is a video I found about prepping new windows to go in a van, please see what you think.. Now this was on a flat wall van where as 88 ford has the divot/recessed seam down the middle my window has to go over.
Thanks

 

I have been trying to record information as I find it and hope this is accurate and helps out.
I am still checking with Ford on these part numbers. I also have a problem identifying the Complete Glass Run. There is a “Division Bar” between the push out vent window and the roll up door window glass. Mine has a inner felt like material in the division divider bar weatherstrip and is a separate piece from the glass run weather strip that runs around the back side and top of the door for the glass to slide in..
“F1UZ1521546A = Complete Glass Run Driver's Side or Passenger Side” MAY include the division bar seal and be all one piece. I do not know.. IF not, then we will need the division bar weather strip. I believe it can be changed separate from the others though..
This will give you an idea what I am talking about but is for a F150
Window AntiRattler Kit | Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts

I found a set available on Ebay but not sure they will fit 80‘s vans even though the add says so. There was 2 different glass thicknesses used. The part number is D5UZ-1121546-B

These should be the ford part numbers for 1987 and 1988 e series vans. they should fit other years also but I did not check into that... Double check all part numbers before you order any...

RT and LFT window glass seal parts:

E4UZ1521457A, E9UZ1521457A = Inner Window Sweep Driver Side

E4UZ1521456A, E9UZ1521456A = Inner Window Sweep Passenger Side

E9UZ1521453A = Outer Window Sweep Driver Side

E9UZ1521452A = Outer Window Sweep Passenger Side

F1UZ1521546A = Complete Glass Run Driver's Side or Passenger Side
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-
Front door vent seals.

F1UZ1521449A Left Vent Weatherstrip Vent Glass

F1UZ1521448A Right Vent Weatherstrip Vent Glass

-
-
Outer door weather stripping:

F1UZ1520531A = Front Left

E8UZ1520530A = Front Right

E9UZ1525325B = Left Side Cargo Door

E9UZ1525324B = Right Side Cargo Door

E9UZ1543723A = Rear Left

FOUZ1543722A = Rear Right


I have not come up with many reviews on different brand weather stripping yet..


Once you have the new weather stripping you will need to remove, clean, and reinstall.
I have been researching on what others say works good..

Adhesive reviews from Amazon
4.5 start out of 154 reviews. 78% gave it 5 stars
3M 08008 Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive Tube

4.5 stars out of 87 reviews. 94% gave it 5 stars
Permatex 81850 Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive

Some sites say to clean and rough up the backside of the weatherstripping before you apply adhesive. That may depend on the brand you buy.

Cleaning the old glue off.
these two were recommended by many other automotive sites that restore cars.
3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner #08984, Quart can be found for $15
Goof Off can be found for around $15 a gallon

 

Ok I sorted out the problem with the division bar weather strip.
Seems pre 11-1984 used a two part weatherstrip They are labeled left and right but are the same part numbers for either left or right.

D5UZ1121550B RUN CHANNEL, LEFT
DOOR GLASS, LATCH SIDE, TO 11/84

D5UZ1121550B RUN CHANNEL, RIGHT
DOOR GLASS, LATCH SIDE, TO 11/84

D5UZ1121546B RUN CHANNEL, LEFT
DOOR GLASS, HINGE SIDE, TO 11/84

D5UZ1121546B RUN CHANNEL, RIGHT
DOOR GLASS, HINGE SIDE, TO 11/84


From 11/1984 the weather strip was made as a one piece weatherstrip with the same part number for the left or right.

F1UZ1521546A RUN CHANNEL, LEFT
DOOR GLASS, HINGE SIDE, FROM 11/84

F1UZ1521546A RUN CHANNEL, RIGHT
DOOR GLASS, HINGE SIDE, FROM 11/84

Ford GLASS - DOOR Parts for 1989 Ford E-250 Econoline

http://oemfordparts.jackyjones.com/a...omponents-scat